Four held in alleged fake labour card plot

DUBAI // Four people have been arrested by Dubai police accused of running a network that forged labour cards. Police discovered the scheme following a tip from an Asian woman who was forced to work for the group after they brought her to Dubai under false promises of a job. The woman had strong computer skills, which the gang exploited, police said. "When the woman came to Dubai she was shocked to find out that she was employed to carry out illegal activities," said Lt Col Salem al Rumaithi.

"She was shocked to find out the reality of her new job. They threatened her and forced her to work for them, but the woman ran away from the gang and contacted the police." The police arrested the suspect H R on May 18 and rounded up the others shortly thereafter. H R was allegedly responsible for finding people who were interested in acquiring the fake labour cards. The men allegedly were using a number of flats in International City as a base.

Two computers, scanners and colour printers were found by police in a search of the flats. Forged labour cards and passport photos were also recovered by police. [e-mail]